ANIMAL CAREGIVING INTERN

The internship program at Woodstock Farm Sanctuary provides individuals with a unique opportunity to advocate for and connect with farmed animals, to establish community with like-minded people, and to obtain real-life and resumé-worthy experience of the day-to-day operations of an animal sanctuary. The Shelter Team is responsible for the daily care of the 400 rescued animals living at Woodstock Farm Sanctuary. Animal Caregiving Interns are a vital part of the daily functioning of the sanctuary, and we could not do the work that we do without their help. Although responsibilities vary depending on the seasons and needs of the shelter, below is what is typically expected all year round from our Animal Caregiving Interns.

Read what past interns had to say

  • I've always loved animals and I'm passionate about animal welfare, especially for farm animals that are exploited in the agriculture industry, which is what inspired me to work as an Animal Caregiving Intern at Woodstock Farm Sanctuary. My favorite part of the internship was interacting with the sheep and handing out their hay. It was entertaining to watch them all run to eat, even though there was always plenty of hay! From the internship, I learned more about the daily responsibilities of taking care of different animals in a sanctuary and time management skills.

    Arianna

  • My internship was a great opportunity to spend time with animals, but it also ended up being an extremely immersive experience. I found this really refreshing having just graduated high school and gone through the process of applying to colleges. I started to really notice the dynamics between all the animals, and also between me and the animals.  As someone who thought I was pretty good with animals, it also pushed me to reevaluate my instincts with certain residents who were more shy! Having the opportunity to spend time learning to center all these animals' needs was incredible and unique to anything I have done before.  

    Flora

  • My goal is to become a veterinarian and I decided to intern at Woodstock Farm Sanctuary to gain more experience and familiarity with larger animals before applying to schools. It was wonderful getting to know all the different animals and seeing firsthand how the caregivers treat and care for them. I not only formed bonds with the animals but also with my team of interns. We genuinely became life-long friends and I continue to keep in touch with them every day. I will always be thankful to Woodstock for that.

    Isabella

Responsibilities + Duties

  • Feeding out hay to the goats, sheep, and rabbits

  • Cleaning cages

  • Making supplement treats for the pigs, cows, and chickens

  • Cleaning water bowls and troughs, and replenishing them with fresh water

  • Mucking and cleaning out barns, coops, and pens

  • Doing laundry

  • Washing dishes

  • Taking out garbage and recycling

  • Refill feed bins

  • Collecting eggs to be composted

  • Unloading hay and straw deliveries

  • Supporting staff during health checks and treatments, when needed

  • Observing animal behavior and getting to know each animal as an individual

Qualifications

  • Willing and able to perform all responsibilities and duties

  • Ability to maintain a positive and respectful attitude

  • Strong team player while having the ability to work independently

  • Capable of working in harsh/all weather conditions

  • Reliable and hard-working

  • Ability to perform strenuous physical labor, and consistently lifting at least 50 pounds unassisted

  • Efficient time management skills

  • No previous animal experience necessary

Sessions

  • Spring

  • Summer

  • Fall

  • Winter

We offer full-time and part-time internships.

Full-time interns will be scheduled to work 36-40 hours per week and can live on-site in our intern lodge if daily commuting is not an option.

Part-time interns can work 16-30 hours a week but cannot live on site and would have to commute. Consistent part-time hours are flexible.

*Start and end dates are flexible.

Weekly Cost of Living Reimbursement

  • 31-40 hours: $150 per week

  • 24-30 hours: $75 per week

  • 16-23 hours: $50 per week 

*Reimbursements are given on a bi-weekly basis via checks

Details

  • The lodging is a shared communal space but every intern gets their own bedroom with some rooms having their own bathrooms.  

  • Companion animals are not permitted.

  • Out of respect for the animals and the work that Woodstock Farm Sanctuary does, all staff and interns are required to maintain a plant-based (aka vegan) diet while on sanctuary grounds.

  • Food markets and restaurants are within a 15-minute drive.

  • Interns are responsible for buying and preparing their own food.

  • For full-time interns living on site who cannot be insured through our insurance or don’t have a drivers license, weekly store runs are made with staff to go grocery shopping.